The Happiness Advantage

The Happiness Advantage

Did you know that the biggest predictor of success is happiness? Happiness actually fuels how successful we are in all areas of our life - work, relationships, health, friendships, sociability, creativity and energy.

Did you also know that Happiness/Positive Psychology is the most popular class at Harvard University and that 1 out of 6 Harvard students have taken the class? The "Happiness Advantage" is not only the title of one of my new favorite books by Shaun Achor, it's also the term that describes the advantage we have when we choose and practice happiness and optimism which fuels our performance and achievement - giving us the competitive edge called the Happiness Advantage.

I'm excited to share with you what I've known for years from personal experience and observation of other's behavior and outcomes, what research now shows and supports, to help give YOU the Happiness Advantage as part of living your best, healthiest, happiest, most inspired life!   Have you ever thought or held the belief of  "if only I had _________, I'd be happy, or when I lose 10 pounds then I'll be happy, or when I get that promotion or job, then I'll be happy, or when I meet my soul mate or get married, then I'll be happy, or when I get the nicer car or bigger house, then I'll be happy? Any of those beliefs sound familiar? What if instead, you made a conscious choice to be happy and grateful for your life now, where you are and what you already have, and then noticed that the rest started to come and you were  more fulfilled and happier? It goes back to our focusing on our internal power vs. our external power (material things).

Choosing to be optimistic and happy is easier for some of us than it is for others based on genetics, environment and beliefs. It's definitely a practice and a mindset, but happiness is a choice and is a total game changer. And, you can start "BEing" (Remember your To BE List?) happier starting today. So, how can you get the Happiness Advantage? Shaun shares these 5 things to practice for just two minutes a day for 21 days. I'm not suggesting that you tackle all five at once. You know my philosophy - One Bite At A Time, right? So I encourage you as you head into the week to choose at least  one of these happiness habits to  practice for 2 minutes a day. After seven days, see how you FEEL. If you notice even a slight difference in feeling lifted, more optimistic, less stressed or worried and yes, even happier, then keep going for the next fourteen days.

We know it takes 21 days to form a new habit so if you really want to become happier, then commit to yourself to practice one or more of these habits 2 minutes daily for 21 days:

1. Gratitude - wake up each morning and write down 3 new things each day you are grateful for. Or, if it works better for you, write down 3 new things each evening before bedtime to close your day.

2. Visualize A Meaningful Experience - think of one meaningful experience you've had the last 24 hours and write down every detail, visualizing it and how it made you feel. It doesn't have to be something big each day, remember the small things, such as an act of kindness, a smile from someone or holding open the door for someone, laughter with someone you love, etc.

3. Thank Someone - send a thank you to someone new each day to praise or express appreciation whether via email, text, tweet or better yet, by a handwritten note.

4. Exercise - surprise, surprise! Just 15 minutes of mindful cardio exercise is proven to boost happiness. Commit to 21 days for your happiness and your health & fitness.

5. Meditate - Just 2 minutes of silence and unplugging from the noise in our heads and in our external environment is proven to reduce stress and boost happiness. No need to light a candle and say Ommmm, just get silent, still and unplug. I challenge and encourage you to give this 2 minute happiness "experiment" a try for 21 days, starting today. And, of course I'd love to hear how it works for you, what you discover and learn and how you find yourself more fulfilled and happier.

Remember as I've shared and written about before and as Glenda the Good Witch told Dorothy, "My Dear, You've Always Had the Power (to be happier), You Just Had To Learn It For Yourself!"

Cheers to you and BEing your happiest, best self, One Bite At A Time.

With Love and Light, Susan